Review and Herald, Vol. 53, No. 8.
RELIGION OR DRESS, WHICH?Page 1
Earlier text: CAN SAINTS APOSTATIZE?BROKEN VOWS, AND BACKSLIDING.
By George I. Butler
In this age of backsliding it would be well for us to consider the causes which lead to it. No doubt these are very many. A backslidden state is one of the most dangerous into which humanity can fall. The sinner who has never tasted and found the Lord precious can often be more easily aroused to a sense of his danger than the cold backslider. The heart becomes callous and unfeeling through backsliding. The more we backslide the greater the effort required on our part to arouse, and the less feeling we have to seek God. Our ears become dull of hearing, our eyes sleepy, and our hearts worldly and gross, and religion loses its charms for us. We have a name to live, but we are spiritually dead. The religious world is largely in this condition. And, alas that we are forced to say it! thousands of Seventh-day Adventists are in the same state. A state of backsliding is a most wretched state in which to live. The non-professor may possibly find some pleasures in the world which afford a momentary gratification, though they are but little more satisfactory than the apples of Sodom, which, though beautiful without, are ashes within. Such pleasures never can satisfy the aching void in the human soul, which longs for something better than this world can give. The true Christian who lives in the enjoyment of God’s blessing has sweet peace of mind most precious indeed. He enjoys religion. I love that phrase, it is so expressive. The apostle expresses it most forcibly when he speaks of that “peace of God which passeth all understanding.” The Christian living in the light has the promise of God’s blessing in this world, and of a glorious home in the world to come. But the poor backslider, what happiness can he find? He knows something of the blessedness of religion, but has lost it. He lives in condemnation. A weight of sadness drags at his heart. He looks with longing at worldly pleasures, but hardly dares to enjoy them, and if he tries to do so condemnation seizes his soul. All his religious duties are drudgery to him, and yet he dares not wholly neglect them. He tries to keep up a show of religion to satisfy his conscience and meet the expectations of others. At times his soul hungers for something better, but he does not find within himself the energy necessary to reach it. He is like a man on the fence dreading to jump either way, and afraid to remain. A sad and wretched life is that of the backslider, and may God pity those who are living it. God often seems to leave men who have grieved his Spirit away in this condition a long time, to teach them an important lesson. He wants them to reach a higher platform, a more noble Christian life, and leaves them to feel the wretchedness of backsliding till they will see the need of God’s special help, and plead with him mightily for it. If they really do this, he will set their feet in a large place, and fill their hearts with courage and joy. It would be profitable for all backsliders to consider carefully the causes which have brought them into this sad condition. Broken vows, no doubt, would be found one potent cause of it. A vow is a solemn promise made to God, or in reference to something we will do in his service or for his cause. It is surprising how little regard many professing Christians show for the promises made to God; many seem never to think of them afterward. Such have read what the Scriptures say concerning vows with little attention. Let us consider some of the texts bearing on this subject. “If a man vow a vow unto the Lord, . . . he shall not break his word, he shall do according to all that proceedeth out of his mouth.” Num. 30:2. And so sacred were vows regarded that if children or wives made them, and fathers or husbands knew of it and made no objection, they themselves as well as the others were bound by them. So the connection shows. “When thou shalt vow a vow unto the Lord thy God, thou shalt not slack to pay it; for the Lord thy God will surely require it of thee; and it would be sin in thee.” “That which is gone out of thy lips thou shalt keep and perform.” Deut. 23:21, 23. When we consider the many solemn promises which are made to God and broken with little thought, is it any wonder souls are stained with sin and God’s Spirit is withdrawn, till they are left for long periods in darkness and discouragement? Is there not a cause? And how could God give his Spirit to those who look upon their promises with so little care? He would be leading them to their own ruin should he bestow it under such circumstances. He withholds it till we see our sins and repent of them, and it is best that he should. Here is a precious promise to those who pay their vows: “Offer unto God thanksgiving, and pay thy vows unto the Most High; and call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me.” Ps. 50:14, 15. God is pleased to have us make vows if we keep them. He makes this a stepping-stone to great blessings. “Vow, and pay unto the Lord your God.” Ps. 76:11. “I will go into thy house with burnt-offerings; I will pay thee my vows, which my lips have uttered, and my mouth hath spoken, when I was in trouble.” Ps. 66:13, 14. How few there are in this world who imitate this noble example. They make solemn promises to God when in trouble and distress. He hears them, and gives them blessings, and prospers them. Then they forget all about their vows, and wonder why barrenness of soul has overtaken them. Had they been faithful to carry out these vows, they might have been full of light, and strong in God. The only course God can take to save such from final ruin is to leave them in distress till they shall see the sinfulness of such conduct, and repent of it heartily. “When thou vowest a vow unto God, defer not to pay it; for he hath no pleasure in fools; pay that which thou hast vowed. Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay. Suffer not thy mouth to cause thy flesh to sin; neither say thou before the angel that it was an error. Wherefore should God be angry at thy voice, and destroy the work of thine hands?” Eccl. 5:4-6. This is a remarkable testimony. The sacred writer teaches that those who vow to God, and do not regard their vows, are “fools;” i. e., they act very foolishly; they bring sin on themselves by the words of their mouths; and the recording angel, who makes a record of our words and acts, records this transgression. It also teaches that when we excuse ourselves in the presence of the angel for this violation of our word, it causes him to be angry at such a course; it violates his high idea of justice to see those who profess to serve God pursue such a course,—a course which may result in their destruction, and will stand in the way of their prosperity. The same writer says, “It is a snare to the man who devoureth that which is holy, and after vows to make inquiry.” Prov. 20:25. That is, after we have made a solemn promise to God to do this or that, then to begin to question about it so as to avoid the performance of what we agreed to do, is a snare to our soul,—a snare of Satan into which many poor souls have fallen, that will be lost forever. God is a God of truth. He hates lying, deception, and falseness of every kind. When his professed people so far forget themselves and so mistake his character as to wholly disregard their solemn promises, with the impression that God cares very little for it, as little, perhaps, as they themselves, thus concluding that God is such as themselves, what can he do but withhold his blessing, or visit his judgments upon them to arouse these souls to a sense of the sinfulness of such conduct, and bring them to a better course. We cannot doubt that slackness in keeping our promises is one great cause of backsliding. God never changes in his character; hence all he has said concerning our vows to him stands just as it was written ages ago. But man is very changeable. At times when the importance of sacred things is set before the mind, he promises to do such and such things for God, and at the time he means it; but other scenes surround him, and his promise is forgotten. This course is pursued over and over again. God is very merciful; he does not inflict chastisement at once, and so this course results in a slow process of hardening the heart, benumbing the conscience, and perverting the mind, till tenderness is banished from us. We are then, in the full sense of the term, backsliders; and many times we wonder what is the cause of our backsliding. Other causes may be numerous, but here is one surely. We neglect our promises made in meeting. How many when they arise to speak commence with a confession of living far from God, but promise to live better lives, and be more faithful. Such testimonies are good, if only lived up to; but how many speak them who never consider them again till they speak the next time, and then they say about the same thing. This process must harden the conscience. We promise God in times of affliction and distress of mind, when we feel that we must have relief, and God often brings peace to our souls. Then we forget our sacred vows. How sad that we should do so; what blessings we might enjoy if we did not. We neglect the vows we make to the cause, our S. D. pledges and pledges to various enterprises connected with this great work. It is a cause of great regret that some among us pay but little regard to what they pledge, but we are glad that these are comparatively few. Such will not prosper in the Lord, and we know they do not usually prosper pecuniarily. Why should God bless them? Some, no doubt, through disappointment, find it almost impossible to fulfil their promises, but such should do the very best they can. Some violate vows made to leave off wrong habits, such as using tobacco or gratifying other depraved appetites. I know some who for years made solemn promises to quit such habits, who returned to them like the “dog to his vomit,” or the creature which was washed to the mire again. And yet they seem to regard it as a light matter. May God pity such, and rouse up their consciences to vigorous action before they shall be forever stilled into silence by the benumbing influence of narcotics. Such, indeed, are to be pitied, and so is every one who falls into a wrong course. But sins must be put away, and our vows must be regarded. This subject is a great one, too great for an article like this. Nearly all of us have come short in fulfilling the promises we have made to God. We suffer a great want for this, the want of God’s Spirit. We need a revival of genuine religion. How it would quicken all our activities, open our hearts, and strengthen us in our work. Let us look over our lives, take up the stumbling-blocks we have left in our tracks, “pay our vows to the Most High,” repent of our sins, and strive for a higher conversion. Appleton City, Mo., Feb. 5. THE CAUSE IN OLD SWEDEN.
By A. Swedberg
EXTRACTS from letters from different parts of Old Sweden show that the Spirit of the Lord is at work upon the hearts of the people in that land. A brother writes, Dec. 17, 1878, as follows: “I wish to express my thanks for the Harold, which comes to us regularly. I inclose money for the year 1879. May the Lord’s blessing rest upon the sacrifices which our friends in America have made for us. There are four here who meet together on the Lord’s Sabbath, and his blessing is with us.” A brother in the northern part of Sweden writes, Jan. 12, 1879: “I have received the Harold four months, and have been much instructed on important truths. I have accepted the Lord’s Sabbath. There are some here who would be glad to take the Harold, and I am in hopes of obtaining some subscribers soon.” Another writes: “I wish, with all my heart, that some brother would come here to preach the truth in its purity; for I believe there is a large mission field in this vicinity.” Another who lately embraced the truth writes: “I am now shut out of the Baptist church upon the following confession: ‘The truths I have embraced are in accordance with the Scriptures; I shall follow them, and do what I can to induce others to embrace them.’ When the chairman of the meeting heard this, he said, ‘The church cannot recommend such a member.’ The Harold is liked by nearly all. It is sent from house to house. I have obtained four subscribers, and hope to get more. I have been out and delivered a few lectures.” In another letter from the same brother he says: “I thank you for the books you sent. Inclosed is money for the Harold. To-day I have written to Eld. Matteson in Norway. It will be a great satisfaction to get a letter from him. During the present year I think there will be an interest in Sweden to hear the truth. The editor of the Evangelist, a leading Baptist paper, designs to publish articles on the Sabbath question. The editor of Tidens Tecken, Signs of the Times, I understand, has accepted the Sabbath. I have a desire to visit Eld. Matteson, and act as colporteur for him.” Other interesting letters showing progress might be given. Through Eld. Matteson’s reports we have seen what a great interest is now manifested in Norway. In one report he says that the interest in Norway is ten times greater than in Denmark, and it is said that in Sweden there is still greater interest manifested. This fact, together with the encouraging letters we from time to time receive from persons who are becoming interested and embracing the truth simply by reading the Harold, inspires us with new courage and zeal to labor on in this good cause. In view of these impressive tokens, our faith in the work of the third angel’s message grows stronger, and we believe the day is not far distant when we shall see the Swedish cause rise to success and prosperity. We are very thankful to our American brethren for the interest they have taken in us, and we would still humbly plead for your prayers, benevolence, and hearty co operation in this branch of this one grand and glorious work. May God bless the cause among the Swedes. VIGILANT MISSIONARY SOCIETIES.
By Stephen N. Haskell
We are surprised to notice the slow progress made by our brethren in taking the Signs in clubs, remailing them to the addresses of others, and then writing to them in regard to the paper. What led to the organization of vigilant societies was, first, the fact that the sisters would more especially take the responsibility of seeing that the papers were sent out, and thus they would not be so likely to be laid upon the shelf unused; second, to develop talent which would otherwise be of no use in the cause of God; and third, to thus place our reading matter before thousands of families that otherwise would have no knowledge of present truth. We here take the liberty to insert a portion of a private letter, dated Jan. 19, from a secretary of a vigilant missionary society. This society is trusting in God for monthly donations to pay for one hundred and fifty copies of the Signs. Last year they ventured on God’s promises for a smaller amount. They first secure all they can on the monthly installment plan, and when they fail of means, they unitedly pray to God; and I understand that they have never yet been disappointed in making their monthly payments. The means comes in by donations. The following is the letter:— “I know you will be interested to know of the prosperity of the V. M. society. I am more than happy to inform you that there is a commendable zeal manifested on the part of all that attend the meetings in sending out the Signs. We have sent out our first two hundred and seventy-five copies. I really believe that we have undertaken the work this year in the fear of God, more than ever before. We have ventured out by faith. We believe God will help us through. It is his work, and is it not safe to trust him to help us temporally, physically, and spiritually? The more I do, the more of the blessing of the Lord I enjoy, and the better my health is.” (This sister had been given up by physicians to die.) After speaking of other matters she continues: “Perhaps you would like to know how many papers each one takes weekly.” Then follow the names of fifteen sisters, which we omit, but give the number they take respectively each week, as follows: 50 copies, 30, 26, 12, 20, 18, 10, 7, 10, 5, 10, 10, 4, 4, 59. The one that takes fifty-nine copies says:— “Probably there will be times when they cannot take care of so many, and I have volunteered at such times to help them through. I found a book to-day that contains the names of hundreds of ladies and gentlemen, of all classes and from all parts of the country. I feel sure God is leading us. Already $5.50 has come in outside of pledges. We are constantly pleading with God to help us to means. I received a card from a student in —— University, N. C., stating that he is interested, and wants more papers. Another wants to know if we would like to have him act as agent. He says several of the students to whom I have sent the papers like them. —— —— writes from ——, N. C., that he and one other brother were expelled from the Baptist church in November for believing and preaching the seventh-day Sabbath, in consequence of which three others, real worthy individuals, came out and took hold of the Sabbath with them. There is now a company here who have organized a Sabbath-school, and are using Bro. Bell’s ‘Lessons for Little Ones.’” PULPIT KINDNESS.
By Simpson
The language of the sermon should always be kind. During the preparation let the soul be filled with love. Make no concealed or sharp thrusts, intended to wound feelings or resent some fancied insult. That may be the wisdom of the serpent; but not the harmlessness of the dove. I think it is Sir Francis de Sales who says: “I would give one hundred serpents for one dove.”—Simpson. ECONOMY VS. EXTRAVAGANCE.
By R. F. C.
ECONOMY saves money, but that is not its highest recommendation: it saves reputation, health, and life. On the contrary, extravagance squanders money on useless things, hurtful indulgences, and health-destroying luxuries, blights, reputation, and ends in premature death. R. F. C. Winstead, McLeod Co., Feb. 5.—We commenced labor at this place Jan. 15. The interest has increased as our work has progressed. Seven kept last Sabbath, and as many more are convinced. The interest continues. The large school-house in which our meetings are held is often filled with attentive hearers.
H. W. Babcock.
E. A. Curtis. Todd Co.—From Dec. 13 to Feb. 4, I held meetings with the brethren at Burnhamville. The outside interest was small and prejudice strong. I am now holding meetings at Birch Dale, Fuller's school-house, with a good interest, and an almost general turnout. Plenty of doors are opened to me. Four Catholics attended meeting once, and expressed their feeling against the truth by saying that that man should be arrested.
James S. Brower. Maple Plain, Feb. 7.—A few here, we do not know how many yet, have decided to obey the truth. Prejudice has been bitter, and the undercurrent of opposition strong. We were driven from the school-house after holding meetings two weeks, but our friends hired a hall, and there was no interruption of our meetings. Have given the prophecies, the law, the Sabbath, and the messages. Our congregations have been small, but are now on the increase. The Lord has given strength and clearness, and we think the spirit of inquiry is widening and deepening. Our courage is good, and our faith in the message stronger than ever before. We believe the Lord will give some fruit, and we labor on in hope.
D. P. Curtis.
W. Walker. York Co., Feb. 9.—My meetings at the Pleasant Hill school-house, which have just closed, were held in the vicinity of the Waco church. This church was much encouraged, and received three additional members. Several took hold of the truth for the first time. May the Great Shepherd lead them. H. SHULTZ. Taylor Valley.—I held meetings here from Jan. 15 to Feb. 2. Sold books to the amount of $7.65. The scattered brethren have been strengthened, and a few are interested. We held two Sabbath meetings in which the Lord greatly blessed us. A few attended from Raeville. Six are keeping the Sabbath here as the result of my meetings last winter, and some have moved away. DANIEL NETTLETON, JR. Tekamah, Burt Co., Feb. 9.—The past three weeks I have been holding meetings at a place three miles west of Tekamah. The interest is good, and a few have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Rev. 12:17 is being fulfilled here. Jan. 27 I met with the brethren at the Thompson school-house. They are entering heartily into the T. and M. work, and are adopting the tithing system. Four were added to their number. A. J. CUDNEY. Little Prairie.—At our business meeting Jan. 1, in addition to what we had before pledged and paid, we pledged for the Tabernacle $14.00, for the Oakland house $20.25. For the Tabernacle $6.40 was paid down, and for the Oakland house $4.65. PLINY POTTER, Elder. Spring Lake, Pierce Co., Feb. 7.—We commenced to hold meetings in this vicinity about the first of January. The attendance has been good. Nine were keeping the Sabbath when we came, and fifteen have been added to that number, making twenty-four in all. The interest is still good, and many are deciding. Bro. E. E. Olive has joined me this week. S. FULTON. Nova, Ashland Co.—Our church held a meeting on New Year’s day, and pledged $9.00 for the Oakland, Cal., house. This is called the Troy church. JOHN SPRINKLE. Wakeman, Huron Co., Feb. 11.—Have had seven meetings. We have a good house, good bell, and a good organ and player. The attendance is not large; but there is good attention and some interest. I am alone. H. A. St. John. East Norwalk.—Bro. H. A. St. John and myself have just held a series of meetings in this place in the church of the late Eld. Vail. Eight signed the covenant to keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. We organized a Bible-class, and made arrangements for Sabbath meetings. Obtained three subscribers for the REVIEW, ten for all our periodicals, and sold some books. We feel to praise the Lord, and take courage. Wm. Beebe. Van Wert and Hamler.—The church at Van Wert was raised up and organized by Bro. H. A. St. John about a year and a half ago. It now consists of seventeen members, the most of whom are firm in the truth. When Eld. Cartwright was here he spoke of the tithing system, and made the duty of paying one-tenth of our income to the Lord so plain that the entire church, with one exception, entered into it heartily, and have since been living up to the light they received on the subject. I have spoken five times at Hamler, in a small meeting-house belonging to the citizens of the place. The interest is increasing. A. A. Bigelow. Corsica, Feb. 10.—Several valuable additions have been made to the cause of truth during the past week. Those who have begun to keep the Sabbath are receiving new life. The opposition is becoming very bitter, yet it is all underhanded. The truth has been making such inroads into the best society here that by an underhanded effort we have been shut out of the hall, and we now have to hold our meetings in a private house. Last Sabbath one of the trustees of the M. E. church took his stand for the truth, saying, “I must surrender myself to it.” Last evening, as we were holding our last meeting in the hall, I introduced the subject of building a meeting-house, and in a few minutes we had had enough pledged; and before this reaches the readers of the REVIEW we expect to have the other half, and begin work. The Methodists are trying hard to get up a revival. They are very strong here. Somebody writes bitter things about us and our work for the local papers, but our friends are ready with their pens to reply. This is opening the way for us to labor in many places around here. Miles Grant’s work against the Sabbath and Sister White has been introduced. It is the greatest bundle of falsehoods I have ever seen. I have reviewed it, and this has helped us much. Every effort against the truth has been turned into a victory for it. We are happy when we see souls turned from darkness to light. A. O. Burrill. ILLINOIS
By D. T. Bourdeau
Among the French.—Feb. 1 and 2, Mrs. B. and myself attended Bro. G. W. Colcord’s meetings in Kankakee for the Americans and French. These meetings were profitable. A V. M. society was organized. Last Sabbath we were at St. Anne, and enjoyed a sweet season in attending to the ordinances. Several Americans were present. Two were received as candidates for baptism. Here also a V. M. society was organized. I have held two interesting meetings at Papineau, near St. Anne, where is a family of French Sabbath-keepers. Am now giving a short course of lectures among Americans and French at Pitwood, eleven miles from St. Anne. The interest is good. We look for at least a good reinforcement for the St. Anne church, that have been diligent in doing missionary work here. We hold our first Sabbath meeting next Sabbath. I am strengthened and encouraged while taking physical exercise. For the next two weeks my address will be St. Anne, Ill. D. T. Bourdeau. Ward, Wilson Co., Feb. 9.—Since our last report, there has been a strong and determined effort to destroy our work. Four ministers of the New-light Christian church, in a protracted effort of about ten days, have made every effort to demolish us. We were called “spiritualists of the worst type,” etc. We were compared to a flowery serpent, and the people were warned against the poison. They refused to invite us into the desk, because they said I had called the people heathens (which was not true). The amusing part is that they were preaching charity nearly all the time they were not fighting us. As we listened to their tirade we remembered with pleasure Matt. 5:11. They were antinomian on the law, and as I heard their strong expressions I wished that good old Bro. Summerbell could have been here to rebuke his degenerate sons. I doubt not but his voice would have been heard uttering the same truth that his pen has recorded: “It [the Roman Church] has reversed the fourth commandment, doing away with the Sabbath of God’s word, and instituting Sunday as a holiday.”—“History of the Christians, p. 418. They told us that nine of the commandments were natural laws, and then explained that natural laws govern the animals. The arguments on the Sabbath are not worthy of repetition, as we meet them wherever we go. The concluding meeting was worthy of note. The speaker arose and announced his text: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.” I thought this a grand conclusion after more than a week’s persistent effort to destroy the law of Jehovah. Thank the Lord that many in this place are coming to the same conclusion. Yesterday we organized a church here, and our prospects are cheering. We have just received an urgent request to come to Chanute and labor. Bro. Stevens has spoken a few times in that vicinity, and there is a deep interest. E. D. SANTEE. MASSACHUSETTS
By D. A. Robinson
Athol Center, Feb. 14.—Our meetings still continue here with a fair interest. A few more have taken hold of the truth the past week. Last Sunday the Orthodox minister came to the rescue with a sermon on the Sabbath question. But it was so radically reckless that those of his people who had heard the truth preached found no consolation in it. A brief synopsis of his faith is as follows: 1. The Sabbath was instituted at the falling of the manna—no evidence that it was kept before that time. 2. God designed that man should keep the Sabbath from the beginning, since we see indications of a weekly cycle through the book of Genesis; and also it meets a universal want. 3. It never was commanded till the law was given, and the reason assigned for keeping it was because God rested. 4. The Sabbath was Jewish, and commemorated the deliverance of Israel from Egypt. 5. Christ kept the Jewish Sabbath. 6. He was no observer of days. 7. He was no legalist. 8. He is the Christian law-giver. 9. We should not judge in respect to a Sabbath, etc. 10. If we are Christians, we shall keep the first day. (Thus judging those who do not keep it.) 11. The fact that the apostles met many times on the Sabbath (seventh-day) proves nothing. 12. Paul’s one meeting on the first day proves beyond question that the first day was the Sabbath. 13. The keeping of a day was left a matter of perfect indifference. 14. The idea that the fourth command is now binding is63unsound. 15. The ten commandments are all binding. 16. The Sabbath is a shadow; don’t linger in it. 17. The change came gradually, being made by Christian emperors (Constantine was cited). 18. It was left for them to select any day they chose, and they finally chose Sunday. 19. A Sunday law would be a good thing, and we ought to have one. 20. The testimony of the fathers settles it forever. We haven’t time to show a harmony between the above points, but the reader can try his hand at it if he desires. Bro. Haines had freedom in reviewing the discourse on Wednesday evening before a full house. We shall be here at least another week. D. A. ROBINSON. DUTIES
By Mrs. M. F. Gould
'Tis good to do the Master's will,
Though tears and sighs our lives may fill;
No work or word of love is lost
When given standing at our post. Duty compels us oft to tread
Upon the thorn and brier's bed;
But weak and weary, torn and sad,
One smile from Jesus makes us glad. No fear of foe, no dread of care,
Can make us cease the cross to bear;
For soon in realms of bliss we'll be,
From every mortal care set free. How can we falter by the way?
What answer can we give, oh, pray?
When such a sacrifice was given,
To purchase us a home in Heaven. O Christian, think no more thy lot
Is hard to bear; thou hast forgot
Thy Saviour's care, thy hopes most dear
Of Heaven, our home which is so near. NEW YORK.
By A. H. Hall; H. H. Wilcox
Pierrepont.—We held meetings here Feb. 1, 2. The church seemed encouraged, and resolved to live nearer to God. Two joined them. On the evening of Feb. 2, a church of nine members was organized at South Pierrepont; others that could not be present will unite soon. An elder and deacon were chosen and ordained; and the church adopted the tithing system. This church will be known as the South Pierrepont church. The clerk’s address is Mrs. A. W. Smith, Colton, St. Lawrence Co. A. H. HALL.
H. H. WILCOX. Finlay, Feb. 10.—Having visited all the churches in the territory, and got our tract society matters into as good a condition as possible for the present, I made arrangements to give a course of lectures in this place, and began them on Monday evening last. The interest has been good from the first. We held the first few meetings in the school-house, but that proving too small for the congregation, and being occupied several evenings in the week, we soon moved to a commodious hall about a mile away. This hall was freely offered us by the owner, especially as we were requested to occupy it by some in the community. Our audiences are large for the territory; there were nearly a hundred out last night. South Troy, Feb. 13.—I began a course of lectures here Feb. 1, holding them in the Baptist meeting-house in which I spoke twice on the Sabbath question last May, while on my way from Massachusetts to the West. The result of those two meetings is that many have been inquiring into the truth. One began to keep the Sabbath soon after, and another about two weeks ago. The interest is very good. MISSOURI
By George J. Butler
Rockville, Appleton City, and Nevada.— Had four meetings in Rockville, Feb. 2 and 3. On account of sickness, our meetings were not so well attended as I had hoped. God helped me in the preaching, as I tried to set before the church the principles of our holy religion to help them out of their difficulties. Eld. J. G. Wood and a few other Sabbath-keepers live at Appleton City, seven miles from the Rockville church. At the request of Bro. W. I gave a few discourses there in the Methodist church. Bro. W. held a tent-meeting and a debate there a year and a half ago. I am convinced that the seeds of truth thus sown will, if properly nurtured, yet grow up into a church. There is an interest to hear and to read. At Nevada I gave six discourses in a little over two days. There was much sickness among our members, which hindered. But there is a very encouraging interest among the outsiders, and this interest seemed to me to be rapidly growing. The seats were all full the last evening; many more people were present than have ever attended our meetings before since the lectures were given. I believe a harvest of souls will yet be gathered in Nevada, if the church live right. I have felt to praise God of late for the gift of his Spirit, and the freedom I have felt in proclaiming his truth. How good the Lord is to those who seek him, when they seek him with all the heart. I am now commencing a course of lectures in Salisbury, Chariton Co., Mo., and shall be here several weeks. Seville, Gratiot Co., Feb. 11.—I have held thirty-six meetings, besides listening to four opposition discourses, which were so contradictory that they served to strengthen our positions. We think a good work is begun here. Fifteen have commenced to keep the Sabbath. Bro. Arthur Dexter is with me, assisting in visiting and in opening the meetings. There are urgent calls for labor in many districts; the minds of the people seem to be preparing for the reception of the truth. The Lord’s hand is in this work. L. A. KELLOGG. Noblesville and Patricksburg.—From Jan. 28 to 31, I was with the church at Noblesville. Spoke four times, and held a business meeting. The outside interest is still good, and the room in which the meetings were held could not hold the people. Two embraced the truth, and united with the church. The organization of this company was further completed by electing an elder and deacon. The $4.00-church library of Sister White’s works was purchased. A committee was appointed to see about the erection of a new meeting-house, which is greatly needed by this young church. Since Feb. 1, I have been holding meetings at Patricksburg, Owen Co. The first summer we labored in the State the tent was pitched here, and some faithful souls embraced the truth. During the past season they have built a good, plain, substantial meeting-house, 30x40, which is complete in every respect. The church have sacrificed time and means, yet at the dedication not one dollar was due to any one outside the church, and there was but a small debt among the members. At the dedication last first-day (Feb. 2) a large congregation was present. The Lord gave freedom; and all seemed interested. The house pleased, and several donated toward the small remaining debt. This is the first meeting-house erected by our people in Southern Indiana. To the Lord be all the praise. Meetings have been well attended since the dedication. S. H. LANE. Summerland.—Sabbath and first-day, Feb. 1 and 2, was a profitable occasion for the brethren and sisters here. With one exception the members worked to the best of their ability. They all voted to adopt the tithing system, and six copies of the weekly Instructor were subscribed for. They are doing what they can in the T. and M. work, and are anxious to do more, but they find it difficult to get money to buy tracts. S. OSBORN. CHRISTIANA, NORWAY.
By John G. Matteson
Our work in this place has called forth a great deal of opposition. The whole clergy of the State Church, including the bishop and the professors of the State University, have arisen like one man to crush this new doctrine. The Methodists have commenced a most bitter attack in a daily paper, besides writing in their own paper. And other preachers hold meetings to discuss the Sabbath and immortality questions, and to counsel as to the best way of opposing and hindering us. Nevertheless the people crowd in, and for want of room many go away at every lecture. The number of our friends is increasing. I have never seen so great an interest, neither have I ever had such a strong opposition to meet; and there is as much need of using the pen as the tongue. We have nine meetings every week. The second number of our small paper, Tidernes Tegn, has been printed. About seven hundred copies have been circulated in the city, and we have two days in which to distribute more before the next number is printed. I hope, also, to get access to the daily papers, at least to reply to the attacks. This battle for the truth in Christiana is of the greatest importance for the Scandinavian kingdoms. If it is carried through successfully, we have gained a strong foothold in these northern countries, and the influence will be felt throughout. But if we lose here, we lose much. I have but a little strength, which is far from being sufficient and proportionate to this great work. I cry unto God for help, and he has graciously helped us hitherto. Yet we need more sanctified talent to aid in the work, and some means. May the Lord remember this part of the great harvest field also. There have been but few meetings held among our friends in Denmark this month. The roads have been impassable on account of snow. Osterhausgaden 12, Jan. 20, 1879.